Oxford to offer scholarships for Ukrainian refugees

Oxford University has announced a new fully-funded graduate scholarship scheme for Ukrainian refugees.

The Graduate Scholarship Scheme for Ukrainian Refugees will launch in the 2022-23 academic year and will award up to 20 scholarships for a taught Master’s course.

The students, who are usually residents of Ukraine, will receive financial and welfare assistance from both the university and their college while they are at Oxford.

The course and application fees will be waived, accommodation fees and meals will be covered, and the students will be given a £7,500 grant to support their costs.

Professor Louise Richardson, the university’s vice-chancellor, said that Oxford had “been horrified by the suffering and destruction caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine”.

“Our community is united in our desire to do something to help.”

–Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Louise Richardson

She said: “Our community is united in our desire to do something to help.

“These scholarships represent our effort to provide an opportunity to students and academics whose scholarship has been disrupted by the war. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from Ukraine.”

Baroness Jan Royall, Somerville College’s principal and chair of the university’s Conference of Colleges, said the war is causing “immense suffering and long-term repercussions for those affected”.

She added: “It has been inspiring to see the speed and unanimity with which the colleges have rallied to support this important new programme.

“In time, there will be more for us to do in order to lessen the impact of this terrible war – but this scheme will give Ukrainian students a chance to rebuild their lives now, which is invaluable.”

The scholarships will be co-funded by the university and participating colleges.

Students will be recruited for the scheme via a university campaign during May 2022, with advertising among Ukrainian universities through social media and formal networks. Potential students could also be targeted through the family reunification route or the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The university and colleges said they are still providing welfare support for students who have been affected by the conflict in Ukraine and have given out financial support “where necessary”.

It said it was also offering support for Ukrainian applicants who are due to start their Oxford courses in October, but whose education or finances have been impacted by the conflict.